Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Bakersfield is 16% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,371/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 12%
$77,397/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 28%
$347,300 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 15%
$1,540/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 17%
408,366
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $22,058/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Bakersfield or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and New Orleans?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or New Orleans?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $22,058/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View New Orleans details →

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